Pope Emeritus Benedict in failing health, says colleague

German cardinal 'shocked' to see retired pontiff's decline

(ANSAmed) - Berlin, May 8 - A colleague of retired pope
Benedict XVI says the former pontiff is in failing health,
according to published reports.

Cardinal Joachim Meisner, archbishop of Cologne, said he
was shocked at the declining health of Benedict.

During a meeting between the two clerics on March 18,
Meisner said he was stunned at how small Benedict had become,
saying he was only half of his previous size, the German
Catholic News Agency (KNA) reported.

Meisner said he had initially opposed Benedict's
announcement in February that he intended to resign because of
declining physical and mental strength.
Such a step had not been taken in modern times. The last
pope to abdicate was Gregory XII in 1415.

But since seeing the 86-year-old Benedict, Meisner said,
"my reservations have melted".

Benedict continues to be "very fit, like before," in terms
of his mental acuity, added Meisner.

The retired pontiff moved back into the Vatican last week
after spending two months in the papal summer retreat of Castel
Gandolfo.

It is the first time two living pontiffs - one retired, the
other sitting, Pope Francis - have resided simultaneously behind
the Vatican walls. (ANSAmed).